
General Description
Gelmaker HEC is a versatile, non-ionic, water-soluble polymer widely used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in cosmetic and personal care formulations. Derived from Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Gelmaker HEC appears as a white to off-white fluffy powder and is highly valued for its excellent solubility, clarity, and film-forming properties.
As a high-purity Gelmaker HEC chemical, it provides consistent rheological performance, making it indispensable in formulations that require smooth texture, controlled viscosity, and long-lasting stability. Manufacturers and formulators frequently buy Gelmaker HEC to achieve superior consistency in gels, creams, lotions, and other personal care products. Its compatibility with a wide range of ingredients, including surfactants, salts, and active compounds, makes Gelmaker HEC a reliable choice for both professional and commercial applications.
Sourcing wholesale Gelmaker HEC allows cosmetic brands and contract manufacturers to maintain formulation efficiency while optimizing production costs. The availability of high-quality Gelmaker HEC chemical ensures consistent batch-to-batch performance, which is essential for high-volume production environments.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry
- Gelmaker HEC plays a multifunctional role in the cosmetic and personal care industry. Its key applications include:
- Acts as a thickening and gelling agent in hair care products such as styling gels, conditioners, and leave-in treatments.
- Provides viscosity control in facial gels, body lotions, and hand sanitizers, contributing to smooth application and stability.
- Enhances suspension of active ingredients and pigments, ensuring uniform distribution in emulsions and gel-based formulations.
- Improves texture and spreadability in skin care and personal care gels, supporting professional-grade formulation quality.
- Cosmetic manufacturers often buy Gelmaker HEC for its high efficiency and predictable performance. Choosing wholesale Gelmaker HEC helps reduce production costs while maintaining product quality.
- Utilizing a premium Gelmaker HEC chemical ensures that formulations remain consistent, transparent, and stable over time.
Hazards
- Gelmaker HEC is generally considered safe for cosmetic applications; however, standard handling precautions should be observed:
- Avoid inhalation of powder during handling to prevent respiratory irritation.
- Use personal protective equipment when processing large quantities of Gelmaker HEC chemical.
- Store away from excessive heat and moisture to maintain product stability.
- Professionals who buy Gelmaker HEC or handle wholesale Gelmaker HEC are advised to follow standard industrial hygiene and safety protocols.
Storage & Stability
Gelmaker HEC should be stored in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Under recommended storage conditions, Gelmaker HEC chemical remains stable and retains its thickening and gelling performance for extended periods.
Buying Gelmaker HEC in bulk or wholesale Gelmaker HEC quantities helps manufacturers streamline production while ensuring consistent quality for all batches. Proper storage and handling maintain the polymer’s effectiveness and prevent caking or degradation.
Gelmaker HEC continues to be a preferred choice for cosmetic formulators seeking high-performance thickening, gelling, and stabilizing solutions. Its versatility, reliability, and compatibility with diverse ingredients make it an essential Gelmaker HEC chemical for professional-grade personal care and cosmetic products.
CAS Number: 9004-62-0
INCI: Hydroxyethylcellulose
Composition: GELMAKER-HEC is composed of hydroxyethyl cellulose, a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, used as a thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming agent.
Purity Grade: Cosmetic Grade
Appearance: White to off-white, free-flowing powder
Solubility: Soluble in water, forms a clear to slightly hazy viscous solution
Preservation: Preservative-free
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from moisture and direct sunlight
Raw Material Source: Derived from cellulose, a natural polymer obtained from wood pulp or cotton linter
Manufacture: Produced through chemical modification of cellulose with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions; environmentally responsible and sustainable processes
Animal Testing: Not animal tested
GMO: GMO-free (cellulose is plant-derived and not genetically modified)
Vegan: Does not contain animal-derived components
Proposition: GELMAKER-HEC complies with applicable cosmetic regulations and global standards
Warning: Avoid inhalation of dust. Avoid contact with eyes. Use protective equipment during handling to prevent irritation.
THE STORY OF GELMAKER HEC
Gelmaker HEC: The Smooth Thickener for Luxurious Cosmetic Textures
Gelmaker HEC is anon-ionic, water-soluble polymer used as a thickener, stabilizer, and rheology modifier in cosmetic and personal-care products.
It creates smooth, crystal-clear gels, enhances texture, and improves product stability in serums, cleansers, shampoos, lotions, and hydrogel formulas.
Cellulose-Derived Polymer Modified for High Clarity & Flow Control
Gelmaker HEC is made by etherifying natural cellulose with ethylene oxide, creating a modified polymer that is
• Fully water-soluble
• Non-ionic (compatible with most actives & surfactants)
• Able to form clear, stable gels
• Excellent for both surfactant-based and emulsion systems
TRCkem supplies various viscosity grades suitable for gel systems, shampoos, lotions, and premium clear formulations.
Thicken. Stabilize. Clarify.
Gelmaker HEC provides multiple advantages in formulations:
✅ Creates smooth, transparent gels
✅ Stabilizes surfactant systems (shampoos, body washes)
✅ Prevents phase separation in emulsions
✅ Enhances spreadability and silky feel
✅ Improves suspension of particles, beads & actives
Used in: serums, gels, cleansers, shampoos, hand sanitizers, lotions, and hydrogel masks.
Easy-to-Use, Safe & Versatile for Modern Formulations
• Typical use level: 0.2–2% depending on viscosity
• Best dispersed in room-temperature water then allowed to hydrate
• Compatible with anionic, cationic & nonionic systems
• Stable across pH 3–10
• Non-irritating, biodegradable & safe for skin and hair
• Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent moisture uptake
• Works well in both cold-process and hot-process formulations
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is GELMAKER-HEC?
GELMAKER-HEC is a specially optimized grade of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) designed for use in personal care and cosmetic products. It functions as a high-performance rheology modifier, thickener, and stabilizer, offering smooth textures and consistent viscosity in various formulations.
2. How is GELMAKER-HEC different from standard Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?
While both GELMAKER-HEC and standard Hydroxyethyl Cellulose share the same base chemistry, GELMAKER-HEC has been refined for superior dispersibility, faster hydration, and enhanced clarity in finished products. It also offers better consistency in viscosity and a more elegant feel on the skin.
3. Why has Hydroxyethyl Cellulose been upgraded to GELMAKER-HEC?
The transition to GELMAKER-HEC reflects industry trends towards cleaner, more efficient, and high-performing formulation ingredients. It ensures smoother production processes, faster thickening, and improved user experience — making it ideal for modern personal care applications.
4. What are the benefits of using GELMAKER-HEC in cosmetics and skincare?
Fast and easy cold-water dispersibility
Consistent and stable viscosity
Excellent clarity in gels and emulsions
Smooth, non-tacky skin feel
Broad pH compatibility
Biodegradable and safe for sensitive skin
5. What types of products can include GELMAKER-HEC?
GELMAKER-HEC is suitable for a wide range of personal care products including:
Facial cleansers and gels
Lotions and creams
Shampoos and conditioners
Serums and toners
Styling gels and hair masks
Sunscreens and after-sun gels
6. What is the CAS number and INCI name of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?
CAS Number: 9004-62-0
INCI Name: Hydroxyethylcellulose
Note: GELMAKER-HEC retains the same INCI name, ensuring full regulatory compatibility across regions.
7. Is GELMAKER-HEC safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, GELMAKER-HEC is non-toxic, non-irritating, and well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive and baby skin. It is widely accepted for use in clean beauty and dermatologically tested formulations.
8. Is GELMAKER-HEC compatible with active ingredients?
Absolutely. GELMAKER-HEC works well with a wide range of active ingredients including botanical extracts, acids, vitamins, and essential oils. It helps stabilize and suspend actives evenly throughout the formulation.
9. How should GELMAKER-HEC be used in formulations?
GELMAKER-HEC can be easily dispersed in cold or warm water with gentle mixing. It typically hydrates within minutes and forms a clear or translucent gel. Recommended usage levels range from 0.5% to 2.5%, depending on the desired viscosity and application.
10. Where can I purchase GELMAKER-HEC?
GELMAKER-HEC is available through our trusted distribution partners. For bulk inquiries, technical documentation, or formulation support, feel free to contact us through our website.